Thousands of walkers will stroll along the Downtown canal at White River State Park Saturday morning as part of the Down Syndrome Indiana Buddy Walk.

The goal is to raise awareness of the condition and, according to spokeswoman Jen Smith, “make people aware of their abilities, not their disabilities.”

Organizers expect about 3,000 walkers, Smith said. Festivities will start with music and other activities at 9 a.m., followed by the walk at noon.

The walk is a 21/2-mile jaunt along the canal, all within the confines of the park.

After the walk, participants will eat lunches provided by Kroger.

Also, actor Chris Burke, who has Down syndrome, will perform with twins Joe and John Demasi as a musical group. As a child, Burke was on the TV show “Life Goes On” and he has appeared on other TV programs.

For more information, call Smith at (317) 457-9874.